OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is conducting a public opinion survey to help identify key wildlife issues to be addressed in the department’s 2009-2015 game-management plan.

The information gathered from the survey will help WDFW update its current plan, which was originally developed in 2003 as a tool to guide the long-term management of game species. The survey is the first step the department is taking to gather public input on the updated plan.

The survey will be available on the WDFW website from Sept. 5 through Oct. 1 at http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00433/. Paper copies of the survey also are available by contacting the Wildlife Program at (360) 902-2515.

“We received some great ideas from people when we first developed the plan several years ago,” said Dave Ware, WDFW game division manager. “The public’s involvement was essential in creating a comprehensive and effective game-management plan and we look forward to hearing from people again.”

The opinion survey addresses a number of game management issues, including:

Use of hunting as a wildlife management tool

Hunter compliance with regulations

Tribal coordination

Better standards to improve acceptance

Land access for hunting

Predator management

Habitat enhancement

Questions directed at specific species

Once the survey results are analyzed, WDFW will incorporate them into a draft plan, which will go out for public comment early next spring. The plan will be considered for final approval by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.